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For some players, that’s just the nature of progression. But for Apple, there was the added frustration of injuries and maintaining a consistent playing weight.

“It was hectic. Everything is thrown at you fast,” Apple told ESPN. “You kind of have to take everything in and adapt, learn on the fly.”

Entering Year 2, Apple is working towards additional consistency, both on the field and off. And when the first-round pick arrived for the team’s offseason workout program, he did so having added muscle without losing any of his speed.

Part of that transformation can be attributed to two-time Super Bowl champion Logan Ryan, who recently signed with the Tennessee Titans after four years with the New England Patriots.

Apple and Ryan have been friends since their days at Eastern Regional High School in Voorhees, N.J. and still workout together during the offseason in Arizona.

“He’s continuing to grow,” Ryan said. “That guy blows me away with the amount of big games he’s played in and how young he is. Like I said, he’s a lot better and more mature than I was at 20 or 21 years old.

“He’s really young and to play at this level and cover the guys he covers, his potential is really scary. He knows that. He puts the work in to stay healthy and do everything. You have to understand people Eli’s age are juniors in college. The kid is really young, really talented for his age and he’s playing in a pressure situation and I think he’s handled it really well.”

The two held several phone calls during the 2016 season, and Apple credits Ryan with helping him recognize certain aspects of an offense or opponents. Now, entering his second season, Apple says he’s far more comfortable on the field and far more aware of what it takes to succeed at the professional level.

“Going into Year 2, I just want to make sure I’m handling everything, being on top of my nutrition, being on top of my weight,” Apple said. “I kind of let my weight get a little bit down last year. That is the focus. Stay consistent. That is the main thing.

“I’m becoming more comfortable with the plays, more comfortable with my teammates and I think as a whole unit, especially on defense. We’re going to be able to come together and do something special.”

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If early returns are any indication of what’s to come, it could mean big things for Apple and the Giants. And alongside two other top-tier cornerbacks in Janoris Jenkins and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, a leap by Apple would only make an already dominant group that much more dominant.

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